Shadows of the Pulpit: Unmasking Economic Subterfuge in Nigeria's Spiritual Landscape

A summary stats for Nigeria from the year 2000 - 2023:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GqFid992pjWMDjKHtfKBZ6SpupvfpYsIbiNwi8XcU34/edit?usp=sharing

Introduction: The Silent Shift

"Money often costs too much," Ralph Waldo Emerson once penned in a phrase that rings peculiarly true in the spiritual heartland of Nigeria.

As dawn breaks over Nigeria, it unveils a landscape in flux; one caught in the throes of a silent shift that has steadily crept into the fabric of our society. Over the years, we have witnessed a dramatic expansion in the number of religious institutions - churches and mosques alike - dotting our communities like vibrant beads on the intricate tapestry of faith. It's a seemingly innocent development, a testament to the unfaltering piety of the Nigerian people, you might say.

Yet, beneath this visible growth is a deeply woven economic subterfuge, a silent shift if you will, with religious institutions subtly diverting the country's budgetary allocation - a trend that is both startling and deeply unsettling. As the saying goes, “Not everything that glitters is gold”; this growth in religious institutions is not entirely innocent nor devoid of ramifications.

"There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!': the grave, the barren womb, the earth that is never satisfied with water - and the fire that never says, 'Enough!'" (Proverbs 30:15-16) This ancient wisdom from the Bible mirrors our current reality - the relentless proliferation of religious institutions, their ever-growing thirst for more, their expanding economic footprint, all casting long shadows over our national economy.

This is a narrative long ignored, a reality overlooked, and a story left untold. The narrative of how a seeming spiritual boom became an economic loophole, an unintended gateway for illicit activities. It’s a narrative worth exploring as we seek to better understand the delicate balance between faith and finance, devotion and deception.

It is essential to note here that this is not an attack on the role of religion in our society. Far from it. Religion plays a crucial role in fostering unity, instilling moral values, and providing solace in times of distress. This book is an attempt to expose the wolf in sheep's clothing, not to condemn the entire flock.

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). This book aims to shed light on these murky corners of our religious institutions, for in truth, we can begin to address these challenges, heal our economy, and work towards a more transparent and accountable religious environment.

As we delve deeper into this narrative, we invite you to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to understand the nuances involved. This is an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery - to uncover the hidden realities, to question the status quo, and to seek the truth that lies beneath the surface.

"What is hidden from the wise and intelligent is revealed to little children" (Matthew 11:25). Let us, then, approach this with the curiosity and openness of a child, ready to learn and willing to change. In this spirit, we begin our exploration of the shadows of the pulpit, unmasking the economic subterfuge in Nigeria's spiritual landscape.

Chapter 1: The Silent Shift - Societal and Economic Changes (2000 - 2023)

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” - John F. Kennedy

1.1 Setting the Stage: Nigeria at the Turn of the Millennium

“The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.” – Edward Gibbon

As the clock struck midnight on December 31st, 1999, Nigeria, like the rest of the world, was on the brink of a new era. Yet, for Nigeria, the turn of the millennium marked more than just a shift in the calendar. It signified a momentous transition from decades of military rule to a new dawn of democratic governance.

The ushering in of the millennium heralded a wave of optimism and change. This was a moment of renaissance for Nigeria - an era marked by the promise of transparency, accountability, and a rekindled sense of national unity. The military uniforms were to be replaced by civilian attire, and autocracy was to give way to the rule of the people. The promise was not just of a new political order, but a comprehensive transformation that would steer the nation towards socio-economic development and stability.

Under the leadership of President Olusegun Obasanjo, the new democratic government set out to reconstruct a country battered by years of military dictatorship, corruption, and socio-economic instability. The path to democracy was not just a change of guard at the helm but was envisioned as a systematic overhauling of the existing frameworks of governance and economic management.

However, as the country revealed in the euphoria of its new-found democratic status, beneath the surface, an imperceptible shift was starting to take shape. This covert shift was neither political, nor economic, nor social in its character, but a complex amalgamation of all three. It was a phenomenon that would, over the next two decades, silently but decisively reshape the Nigerian society and economy.

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

As Nigeria set forth on its democratic journey, little did it know that the seeds of a silent shift, one that would profoundly impact its socio-economic fabric, were being sown. The undercurrents of this shift, as we will uncover in the chapters ahead, were embedded in the most unlikely of places - in the sacred confines of our places of worship, within the ostensible sanctity of our religious institutions.

1.2 The Faith Boom: A Rise in Religious Institutions

“Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.” – Karl Marx

In parallel to the political and economic transitions, another significant transformation was subtly taking shape across Nigeria. The dawn of the new millennium witnessed an extraordinary upsurge in religious fervor. An exponential increase in the establishment of religious institutions became one of the defining characteristics of this era, aptly dubbed as the 'Faith Boom'.

From Lagos to Kano, from Port Harcourt to Abuja, new churches and mosques were sprouting like never before. Regardless of the size of the community, be it a bustling city or a remote village, one could witness the rise of new places of worship. These religious institutions became hubs of spiritual enrichment, community solidarity, and moral guidance, appealing to a society grappling with rapid changes.

The emergence of charismatic religious leaders further fuelled this faith boom. Drawing large congregations, they espoused messages of hope, salvation, and prosperity, striking a chord with a populace navigating the complexities of the new democratic era. The pulpit, they proclaimed, was not just a platform for spiritual guidance but a catalyst for socio-economic transformation.

On the surface, this faith boom seemed like a positive development, strengthening the spiritual backbone of the nation. The sense of community and moral guidance these institutions provided helped individuals navigate their personal challenges, fostering a sense of collective identity and purpose. However, beneath this facade of piety and community service, a complex web was being woven.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

The exponential growth of religious institutions, while catering to the spiritual needs of the populace, also presented an opportunity for misuse. The sanctity of these institutions, coupled with their increasing influence over society, provided a unique avenue for covert activities that could potentially escape the scrutiny of regulatory authorities. As we will reveal in the subsequent chapters, the silent shift that was underway was not just socio-economic or political, but also deeply intertwined with the religious landscape of Nigeria.

1.3 The Economic Underbelly: Religious Institutions and Their Economic Footprint

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” – Timothy 6:10

As the curtain rose on this unprecedented spiritual proliferation, another subplot was silently unfolding. These burgeoning religious institutions, while filling the spiritual vacuum, were also expanding their economic footprint. The vast financial activities associated with tithes, offerings, and donations made to these institutions were fast turning into a significant economic powerhouse.

Gradually, religious organizations extended their influence beyond the spiritual realm into the domains traditionally occupied by secular institutions. Real estate became a favorite avenue for investment. Church-owned properties sprung up across the nation, ranging from schools and hospitals to shopping complexes and residential buildings. The rationale was ostensibly to serve the community and generate funds for charitable activities. However, the real estate boom also led to the accumulation of substantial wealth and economic power within these institutions.

Another significant development was the establishment of non-profit organizations under the aegis of these religious institutions. These entities engaged in a wide array of activities, from social services and education to healthcare and humanitarian aid. While they played a commendable role in filling the gaps in public services, these non-profit organizations also presented an opportunity for financial manipulation, given the lax regulatory oversight.

Perhaps the most covert channel for economic activities, however, was through overseas bank accounts. In an age of globalization and digital banking, moving funds across borders became increasingly easy. It wasn't uncommon for religious institutions to have foreign bank accounts, often justified as a means to facilitate international charitable activities. However, these accounts also provided a convenient conduit for transferring funds out of the country, often undetected by local regulatory authorities.

This expansion of religious institutions into economic realms was almost imperceptible, yet it had profound implications. The socio-economic fabric of the nation was silently being re-woven, and religious institutions were no longer just spiritual powerhouses; they were becoming economic giants. However, this silent economic shift was not without consequences. As these institutions became more intertwined with the economy, they also became part of its vulnerabilities and problems.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)

1.4 The Budgetary Black Hole: Diverting National Resources

"The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous show mercy and give." (Psalm 37:21)

In the intricate tapestry of Nigeria's economic framework, a gaping hole began to take shape, almost imperceptibly at first. The budgetary allocations, the lifeblood of our nation's development, were now navigating a new course, a route that led directly into the burgeoning coffers of religious institutions.

Our country, rich in resources and ripe with potential, had its monetary lifeblood subtly rerouted. This wasn't a violent, noticeable hemorrhage, but a slow, surreptitious siphoning of funds meant for national advancement into the bank accounts of churches and mosques. What began as a trickle, discreet and seemingly harmless, gradually swelled into a mighty river, diverting substantial resources from the national treasury into the shadow economy of these religious organizations.

This resource redirection did not just occur in a vacuum. It was a process carefully orchestrated under the cloak of spirituality, largely undetected and unchecked. This silent shift was not merely an economic anomaly but a developing crisis that gradually gnawed at the foundations of our economy.

The consequences of this silent financial diversion were twofold. On one hand, it emboldened these religious institutions, allowing them to amass wealth and expand their influence in society. On the other hand, it weakened the state's financial position, constricting the funds meant for public services, and hindering the development projects critical to our nation's growth and prosperity.

The budgetary black hole was deepening, absorbing resources meant to uplift the nation, instead further enriching already wealthy institutions. As this silent diversion continued, the consequences for our nation's economic health and societal wellbeing began to emerge, casting long shadows on the landscape of our beloved Nigeria.

1.5 Unemployment Rising: The Shadow Side of the Faith Boom

“Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.” (James 5:4)

As the power balance tilted and the economic reins silently shifted into the hands of religious institutions, the landscape of our nation began to change. One of the most striking transformations was witnessed in our job market. With the mushrooming of churches and mosques, one might assume that employment opportunities would flourish. However, the reality was far from this optimistic expectation.

As more resources were funneled into the religious institutions, the national focus on employment generation began to blur. The allocation of funds to sectors that would traditionally stimulate job growth – industries, technology, education, infrastructure – began to shrink. A shadow started to loom over the once vibrant landscape of Nigeria's job market, casting long, threatening silhouettes of unemployment.

The unemployment rate, a key indicator of the health of our economy, began to creep up. This was not a sudden surge, but a slow, steady climb, almost imperceptible at first but alarmingly high over time. Joblessness began to touch more lives, seeping into more homes, and imprinting the mark of financial hardship onto more families.

The figures painted a bleak picture. While the number of religious institutions soared, unemployment rates kept pace, rising in a parallel trend. The promise of prosperity, embodied by the glittering edifices of new churches and mosques, was overshadowed by the grim reality of escalating joblessness.

This was the flip side of the 'Faith Boom' – a rising tide of unemployment, a slow degradation of the economy, and a widening gap between the promise and the reality. It was the shadow side of our society's spiritual journey, where economic hardship was the price paid for spiritual enrichment.

While the bells of churches tolled and the calls of muezzins echoed across Nigeria, another sound was rising in the background - the silent, desperate pleas of the unemployed. A grim counterpoint to the vibrant spiritual orchestra, this quiet symphony of despair was a reminder of the neglected responsibility towards the nation's workforce.

"Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." (Proverbs 14:31) This biblical quote, so deeply entrenched in the teachings of Christianity, seemed to fade into the background. In the face of growing unemployment and economic hardship, the promise of kindness to the needy seemed to be overshadowed by the grandeur of the burgeoning religious institutions.

Part I: The Unseen Phenomenon

“And in their greed they will exploit you with false words.” (2 Peter 2:3)

In the mist of the morning, as the first rays of the sun touched the Nigerian soil, a transformation was quietly unfolding. The landscape was changing, not visibly, but subtly, beneath the surface. From the bustling cities to the rural heartlands, an unseen phenomenon was shaping the contours of our society, our economy, and our faith.

Nigeria, a nation born from the throes of colonial rule, was no stranger to transformation. Yet, this change was different. It was not a loud revolution, not a sweeping reform, but a silent shift - quiet, gradual, and almost imperceptible.

At the heart of this transformation was an institution as old as human civilization itself - religion. A beacon of hope, a source of solace, and a cornerstone of our cultural identity, religion has always held a special place in the Nigerian psyche. However, over the years, its role began to evolve. From being the spiritual lighthouse guiding the populace, religion morphed into an influential player on the economic stage.

This part of the book delves deep into this unseen phenomenon - the rise of religious institutions and their increasingly prominent role in Nigeria's economic life. It traces the growth of churches and mosques, from the humble establishments at the dawn of the millennium to the sprawling empires of faith they have become today.

The narrative unravels the complex tapestry of activities behind the facades of these institutions - the collection of tithes and offerings, the ventures into real estate, the establishment of non-profit organizations, and even the secretive overseas bank accounts.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16). This verse, a guiding principle for many faithful, assumes a different connotation in the context of this quiet economic metamorphosis.

As we embark on this journey through the corridors of faith and finance, let us shine a light on the unseen, illuminate the overlooked, and reveal the hidden. Only then can we fully grasp the magnitude of this phenomenon, understand its implications, and navigate a path towards a more equitable and prosperous future.

"Those who have ears to hear, let them hear." (Matthew 11:15). Let this be our clarion call as we step into the unseen world of faith and finance in Nigeria.

Thank you.

Aderogba Otunla